The Meaning Behind the RR Logo at Disney’s Riviera Resort
When Guests approach the resort, the signature double “RR” monogram will appear to rise into view like a welcoming beacon.
Signature elements are coming into place at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest Walt Disney World Resort hotel and Disney Vacation Club property, under construction now and projected to open Dec. 16, 2019.
Today, I’m sharing a look at the Disney’s Riviera Resort double “RR” monogram sign being raised into place, eight stories high and front and center at the resort’s tower.
When Guests approach the resort, the signature double “RR” monogram will appear to rise into view like a welcoming beacon, giving a first glimpse of the elegance that awaits within. Like the grand European resorts along the Riviera, Disney’s Riviera Resort’s signature monogram will be especially dazzling in the evening hours thanks to its dramatic lighting with 470 light bulbs illuminating the sign.
Disney’s Riviera Resort opening Dec 18, 2019
The iconic “RR” monogram sign will sit above the resort’s eighth story tower which will be home to Walt Disney World’s newest accommodation type, the Tower Studios. Located in this tower, these upscale accommodations are designed for two. Each Tower Studio will maximize efficiency within a space that exudes refined luxury.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Book Disney World in 2020
I have worked exclusively with Disney destinations for the past 10 years and based on my experience, I can see that things are changing at Walt Disney World. 2020 is going to bring many exciting changes, and yes, higher rates and even new policies. We recently saw big changes to Walt Disney World theme park tickets and we saw the end of the long-standing Magic Your Way package.
Back in the spring I predicted major price increases to nightly hotel rates based on the number of reservations I was booking for clients. The rate increase came in July but was cleverly disguised as a free dining offer. What you didn’t see was a significant rate increase on Walt Disney World hotels. If you booked a fall 2019 reservation after the offer came out, well, you paid 2020 rates. By the way, the free dining offer was so limited this year, very few people were able to take advantage of it. There were just a few weeks here and there that needed to be filled.
I do expect additional rate increases on things like PhotoPass and the Disney Dining Plans for 2020 so it would wise to get those components added to your reservation now, just in case.
I’ve heard that Disney is waiting to see what Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge does for attendance before releasing any 2020 discounts. Offers like free dining were created to fill gaps in attendance when tourism was down. But 2019 was the best year for travel and tourism in long, long time. I think Disney is expecting 2020 to be even better.
Disney has been investing a lot of money and resources at Walt Disney World with new hotels, transportation upgrades, attractions and of course Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. It’s reasonable for Disney to expect a return on its investment. Simply keeping the parks busy isn’t going to be enough after the amount of money they have spent. But we should keep in mind that there is a lot of value in the many, new experiences coming even if prices are higher.
I do recommend booking your trip as early as possible with the refundable deposit, even if you might change your mind later. I have noticed that some hotels are already sold out for select January and February nights. This isn’t normal! Bookings are definitely way up.
Rates can increase again at any time. When you book early in the year you lock in the current price. Plus, Disney allows guests to apply offer codes to existing reservations. If the price goes down, I can make the adjustment provided the offer matches your package type.
As a travel agent obsessed with saving my clients money, I will certainly be on the lookout for any offers that come along and post them here. So, stay tuned! This is going to be a great year at Walt Disney World.
Big News for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2019
Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom Park will get a holiday makeover.
For the first time ever during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select Magic Kingdom attractions are receiving special enhancements just for the holidays!
When you get behind the wheel on the Tomorrowland Speedway, you’ll find yourself cruising a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights and stylized décor.
The crew at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is putting some “Ha Ha Ha” in their “Ho Ho Ho,” with a new show for everyone visiting the Monster World during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Space Mountain launches Guests on a trippy jaunt through the cosmos, filled with dazzling lighting and high-energy holiday tunes.
Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland becomes a wild Christmas party, as you spin your teacup to one of four new holiday combos of lights and music.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show will debut this year as well.
The party starts at Magic Kingdom Park on Nov. 8 and is offered select nights through Dec. 22, 2019. For tickets contact Darren Wittko at Magical Vacations Travel
Related:
Highlights for the 2019 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
This year will be particularly exciting with several returning favorites and some all-new experiences, highlighted by the debut of the incredible new “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.”
Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” serves as the host of this all-new nighttime show, with state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and fireworks.
Several attractions across the park will receive special enhancements just for the Halloween party.
Imagineering has created Monster World at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Here you’ll interact in with the comic cast of monsters, as they learn about the curious Human World holiday we call Halloween.
At Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll discover a crew of live pirates on your journey, and this year they’re engaged in a whole new adventure in search of treasure.
Space Mountain goes completely dark again this year, and a new hard-rock soundtrack.
Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, gets special lighting and music to give your experience some extra energy after dark.
There’s also the popular “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the ride of the Headless Horseman, “Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade,” Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball and “Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam,” where this year Nancy Clancy from the hit Disney Junior series “Fancy Nancy” joins other Disney Junior pals like Vampirina and Doc McStuffins.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, runs select nights Aug. 16 – Nov. 1, 2019
Menu Released for Topolino Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort
Reservations are now open for Topolino’s Terrace is Disney’s Riviera Resort at the Walt Disney World in Florida.
The first available date to dine is December 16. The Storybook Breakfast Dining Experience will be offered daily 7:30–11:00 a.m. and can count as one table service entitlement for breakfast on the Disney Dining Plan.
Evening dining will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will count as two table service entitlements for dinner on the Disney Dining Plan.
Discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members will also be available. There will also be a minimum dress code for evening dining.
Topolino Terrace Menus
Disney World Enacts Length of Stay Requirements for Fall
Planning on booking a quick trip to Walt Disney World this fall? It might be a little difficult as the Walt Disney World Resort just enacted minimum length of stay requirements. This affects new bookings and modifications to existing reservations.
Availability across all Disney Resort hotels is now very limited from September through December. Shorter length of stays, or even 1 night room reservations are becoming increasingly difficult to find. For example, Disney’s Pop Century Resort shows available Oct 17 through Oct 26. However, it shows as unavailable for just 1 night - Oct 25 - 26.
If you have an existing reservation and would like to shorten your trip, you may not be able to do so. Disney will likely offer you 3 options: keep the reservation as-is, cancel it and try to rebook, or try a different resort. While this can be very frustrating, from Disney’s point of view, it doesn’t want holes in its reservation system. Holes are one or two nights scattered around that will likely go unsold. Holes are often created by short stays.
Travel agents who specialize in Disney can sometimes work with Disney on your behalf to get a modification to go through. As a travel agent myself, I know a few different routes to take, but no guarantees of course.
This is a pretty good indication that fall bookings are way up and that Disney World itself is reaching capacity. If you plan on visiting Walt Disney World this fall, the time to book is now!
Darren is a travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel, specializing in Walt Disney World travel.
2019 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Coming Soon...
Held in the America Gardens Theatre inside Epcot, the Candlelight Processional is a cherished part of the Walt Disney World holiday season, combining a live orchestra, a massive choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story in a heartwarming performance!
This show is extremely popular and I would consider it one of the “must-dos” of the holiday season. The show is general seating, first come, first served, and lines begin forming about 2 hours before each performance.
However if you book a Candlelight Dining Package, you will have guaranteed admission into one of the performances.
I’m told that the 2019 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages at Epcot will be available starting July 3, 2019.
For more information on the types of candlelight Dining Packages, and for package pricing visit the Walt Disney World Website for a complete price list.
Check out exclusive offers for Walt Disney World Resort during the Holiday 2019 season on the Offers Page.
2020 Walt Disney World Package Pricing
Today I received confirmation that year 2020 Walt Disney World Resort packages will be available beginning June 18, 2019. Stay tuned for more information.
For a list of current offers for Walt Disney World Resort, visit the Offers Page.
Epcot's Pavilion Icons Will Return
Epcot’s Pavilion Icons are returning. Here’s a look at the new designs
Today I’m excited to share with you a little secret from Walt Disney Imagineering: Epcot’s pavilion icons are returning! Longtime fans of Epcot are familiar with the pavilion icons, like the ones you see here from the 1980s.
Epcot Pavilion Icons ©D23 / Disney
Recently Disney has hinted that some new icons are in the works. More will be revealed at the D23 Expo so stay tuned!
Epcot is special to me for a lot of reasons – as one of Walt’s final projects, and as an exclusive part of the Walt Disney World Resort, and it’s the park I remember the most from my childhood. I’m excited about the changes coming to Epcot including the transformation taking place inside the park’s entrance, and the new Play Pavilion where Wonders of Life is today. As great as Epcot is, the park lost way over the years.
But the Imagineers in charge of Epcot’s future are working to preserve all the elements that make this park so special while also evolving it to be more Disney, more family, more relevant and more timeless. Soon you’ll hear more about experiences that are uniquely Epcot – for example, the updated films coming to Future World and World Showcase, as well as new dining experiences being added to the menu of ‘the foodie park.
VIDEO: Tour Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Taking Control of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park
Beginning today at Disneyland Park you can climb aboard the Millennium Falcon and settle into the cockpit to operate “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park. Let’s take a closer look….
As a reminder, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will open Aug. 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.*
For special offers this fall, check out the Walt Disney World Resort Offers Page.
*Reservations required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from May 31 to June 23 at Disneyland Park in California. Theme parks, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
Foodie Guide to Lion King Treats at Animal Kingdom Park
Disney is introducing new treats this summer with offerings that celebrate characters and moments from Disney’s The Lion King.
All of the items listed below begin on May 24, 2019 and will run through the end of summer. From latte art and ice cream sandwiches to special cones and more, there are enough treats here to have a feast fit for a (lion) king.
My personal favorite - Lion King latte art!
For Walt Disney World special offers, check out the offers page
Reminder! Important ADR Change on Magic Kingdom Party Nights
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Has this ever happened to you? You’re searching for a parking spot at the mall hoping for something close to the entrance. Then there it is, the best spot in the entire complex, no one will be parked closer to the mall than you! Everyone else somehow overlooked it! But then as you get closer you notice there’s a compact car parked in it.
A similar experience can occur when trying to find availability at Magic Kingdom restaurants in the fall - Late August through December. Be Our Guest Restaurant, for example, is the most challenging ADR to get at Walt Disney World. You must be online at 6 am, 180 days in advance and even then you have only 2 minutes book it before it sells out.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
But sometimes you’ll notice a flood of availability appear for dinner reservations at Be Our Guest, Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern, the 3 most most popular. Especially after 7 pm. How can this be? Is this the parking space syndrome, somehow everyone else overlooked it? Maybe. But chances are the Magic Kingdom is closing early for a party.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party usually begin at 7 pm. Magic Kingdom will close to day guests and only those who have purchased a party ticket can remain inside the park after 7 pm.
Guests who pay for the party have so many activities to explore, many don’t want to spend their time sitting down at a restaurant, thus wide-open availability at places like Be Our Guest Restaurant and Crystal Palace. They will sell out for sure, just not as fast..
Unfortunately if you’re not a party guest, you cannot stay in the park later than 7 pm even if you have an ADR for a Magic Kingdom restaurant. This can be a moment of frustration for some people and Disney’s website doesn’t make this abundantly clear. For non-party goers the last ADR for Magic Kingdom dining is 5:55 pm.
If you’re already inside the restaurant when the park closes, of course you can stay. But when it’s time to leave, a cast member will escort you to the park’s exit. “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here” kind of thing.
In the fall, it’s critical for you to know when Magic Kingdom will be hosting evening parties. There are more now than ever before. If you’re thinking of attending one, go for it! They are tons of fun. But don’t waste time at a restaurant - there’s too much to see and do.
Related:
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party dates
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates
From Disney: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Dining
Video Update on TRON Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom Park
Concept art for the TRON attraction being built at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World.
The steel columns are going up at the site of the new TRON attraction. These columns will support the coaster’s track in Tomorrowland. Recently, Disney shared with me a special look at the columns and the progress Walt Disney Imagineers, Disney cast members and project teams have made in the past 12 months.
TRON is on track to open by October, 2021 for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
Earlier this year, cast members continued a Disney tradition by signing their names on one of the first steel support columns for the new attraction.
Finally! You Can Book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Online
Book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Online
At Walt Disney World has just announced the option of booking Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, The Pirates League and Harmony Barber Shop online through a new online reservation system at DisneyWorld.com.
With the online system, you can quickly search for available dates or make cancelations to existing appointments at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations in domestic U.S. Parks, and at The Pirates League and Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort.
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged for these experiences as they are quite popular and appointment times fill up quickly.
At Walt Disney World Resort, reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (ages 3-12), The Pirates League, or Harmony Barber Shop.
2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Marks 10-Year Milestone
2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Marks 10-Year Milestone
This fall’s runDisney race season is a celebration 10 years in the making as the 2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2019.
This year’s event includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids’ races. During this year’s Disney Fall Feast 5K, you can run, jog or walk your way around Epcot for the first time during this fall event.
At the Nov. 3, 2019 post-race party, enjoy after-hours access to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, including marketplaces and select Epcot attractions.
Disney Resort Hotel is already limited during the WIne and Dine Half Marathon, so now is the perfect time to book your stay. Check out my list of current Walt Disney World Offers for October and November 2019.
Related
Make the Jump to Lightspeed in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
On the heels of its Aug. 29, 2019 grand opening, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gives you the chance this fall to live your own Star Wars story.
While visiting the land, you can stop for a drink at Oga’s Cantina or discover rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, among other immersive experiences. T
he groundbreaking attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gives Guests control of the iconic spacecraft as the ship hurtles through space on a smuggling mission.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
Related:
Book Fall travel to Walt Disney World with these exclusive offers
Last Call for Illuminations Reflections of Earth Sep 30 - Book Fall Travel Now
Last Show of Illuminations Reflections of Earth
Come see the Last Call for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” as “Epcot Forever” Debuts Oct. 1
For nearly 20 years, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” has entertained millions as the nighttime spectacular that brought each day at Epcot to a thrilling close.
The show’s final night will be Sept. 30, 2019 to make way for an all-new, limited-time spectacular, “Epcot Forever,” debuting Oct. 1, 2019.
This new show will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Epcot featuring fireworks, lasers and choreographed special-effect kites accompanied by a stirring collection of songs celebrating Epcot.
Now is the best time to book your fall 2019 travel to Walt Disney World Resort. Check out my list of Current Offers for Walt Disney World.
Related:
NBA Experience Opens Aug 12, 2019 at Walt Disney World
On Aug. 12, 2019 the NBA Experience will open at Disney Springs with 13 interactive and hands-on activities. With a ticket to NBA Experience, you can improve your shooting and dribbling skills, get some creative photos taken to name a couple of the immersive opportunities that will blend Disney magic with the NBA and WNBA.
Tickets to NBA Experience are $34 (plus tax) for guests ages 10 and older, and $29 (plus tax) for children ages 3-9.
I recommend bringing athletic shoes (footwear will be required for entry). You will also be asked to sign a waiver prior to starting their activities; children under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for them.
For Walt Disney World Summer Offers, check out my Offers Page
New Magic Band Designs Coming Soon!
New design options coming to Magic Bands at Walt Disney World Resort
Soon, guests of Walt Disney World Resort will have the option of adding new customized Magic Bands. But…for the right price.
Hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade, at a discounted price, from a complimentary solid-color MagicBand to one of more than 30 new MagicBand options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs.
Guest staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will have more designs to choose from compared to those staying off-site.
These new MagicBand options will be available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price of $14.99 off retail cost through the My Disney Experience website.
No word yet on when these new Magic Bands will become available, but Disney is saying that this will launch in the coming weeks.
Check out special hotel discounts and offers on the Current Offers Page
Extra, Extra Magic Hours Announced. May the 4th be With You
Today I have great news regarding Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World Resort: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel this fall will have more opportunities to take advantage of this Extra Magic Hours benefit with Extra, Extra Magic Hours at our theme parks!
The Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit will include expanded daily offerings at three of our theme parks, which includes more time to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as other experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom theme parks. Here’s the rundown:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Daily from Sept. 1-Nov. 2, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 6-9 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus Toy Story Land attractions and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences subject to capacity.
(Please note that on Aug. 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 a.m. for all Guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park — Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Magic Kingdom Park —Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring favorite attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Extra Magic Hours will also continue to be available on select days at Epcot.
If you are visiting this fall, you should know that the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney WorldResort requires a valid theme park admission and hotel ID. Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit.
Also, not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Park hours and available attractions are subject to change without notice. *Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and cancellation.
View Fall 2019 Offers for Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
May The Fourth Be With You!
*The Extra Magic Hours benefit applies to Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Shades of Green® Resort, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Visit the Offers Page for current Walt Disney World offers including Agency-Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel.